Women of the UA Tech Park 2019

Women of The University of Arizona (UA) Tech Park are showcased in honor of National Women’s Month. The Women of the UA Tech Park shared how they were inspired and how they inspire others through multiple channels including a panel discussion, social media and website profiles. These faces symbolize the diversity and strength that drive the business forward. Each woman’s story is shared to help empower others and express the unique attributes that make one successful. The UA Tech Park aspires not only to create communities of innovation for businesses but also to be a supportive environment where people are empowered and thrive.

Throughout March we’ve highlighted these amazing women here at the UA Tech Park. The women of our campus exemplify the beauty of diversity and how coming together in unity makes them even more unstoppable. While society often lets their accomplishments go unnoticed, we simply cannot ignore the great impact these fabulous ladies have in carrying out our mission to promote research and education, technology innovation and commercialization. We want nothing more than to support these women as they continue to create, lead, and innovate, for they too are at the forefront of everything we do. We aim to celebrate our campus’ women not just during Women’s History Month, but all year-long because their intelligence, contributions, diversity, and uniqueness radiate all 365 days of the year. Here’s to you, ladies! Thank you for being so remarkable.

Click to View the Women of the UA Tech Park 2019 Booklet

Marilynn Franco

Storage Business Operations Manager, IBM

I am a woman of action. I am a copper miner’s daughter. At work, I am surrounded by intelligent, strong and independent women. Their beliefs, thoughts and ideas help me think differently and inspire me to be better at work and in the community. My mentor, Becky Enderle, has always inspired me because she doesn’t fear the impossible. She is career-oriented and great at managing her IBM team, but she also enjoys life outside of work. She taught me to be confident in my choices, go after jobs that I want and to live life to the fullest. Every day my mother’s tenacity and determination inspire me. Growing up she instilled in me, that I can do whatever I want in this world no matter where I come from. Even after retirement, she is constantly setting goals, meeting them and finding ways to help others. I hope to inspire other women to reach their full potential and use it by not being afraid to dream big, set goals, communicate ideas, ask questions and push boundaries. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses: it is best to identify them, play on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.

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Bernadette Franco

Director of Finance and Human Resources, Tech Parks Arizona

I am a woman of my own success. You can overcome and achieve anything. I am a first generation college graduate. I would not have been able to achieve my goals if I didn’t have the support and love from my parents. My mom, even though she never attended college, she always pushed her children to achieve a college degree. She would even stay up late quizzing me, even though she didn’t know how to pronounce the terminology for my science major. By my senior year, she rattled words off with perfect annunciation. Having my mom take the time to help me study, showed me that at any age you can learn. You need to be fearless and not worry what others may think of you. If you keep moving forward you can achieve anything. Her love kept me determined to be driven for success and constantly pushing through barriers. I had to pay for my own college education, at the time it seemed difficult, but I did it with the love and support of my parents, and now looking back it is one of my biggest accomplishments. No one can take that away from me and without realizing it at that time, my parents were teaching me the biggest lesson of all. When there’s a will there’s a way. The world is not an easy place, challenges will arise that you never saw coming, but if you have faith, love, support, drive and just keep moving forward you will come out on the other side a better person. 

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Carol Stewart

Associate Vice President, Tech Parks Arizona

I am a woman who is often described as tenacious. Success is designed not destiny. I am a college graduate in a university world. My growth has happened in stages; early 20s brought marriage, determination, and a mindset that the status quo was not good enough; 30s brought professional advancement, new challenges, and a daughter 10 weeks premature; ’40s brought the opportunity to find my passion and become best in class; ’50s brought the onset of life-changing situations that impacted my family forever – suicide, entrepreneurship, global exposure, and an unsolicited opportunity in a new country. My little family has set out on an adventure that will allow all of us to grow outside of our comfort zone into new realms. We are ready to write the next chapter which includes Tucson, UA Tech Parks, the University of Arizona, and our home country of Canada. I have two mantras that guide me through life: “you lick from the lollipop of mediocrity once and you will suck forever” and “be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.”

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Beth Peterson

Senior Technical Staff Member, Master Inventor, IBM

I am a little shot that keeps shooting. Inspiration comes when we share our truth and grow from our shared experiences. I strive to lead by example, lighting my path for others to learn from both my successes and struggles. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

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Kat Honeycutt

Bookkeeper and Executive Assistant to the CFO and Park Director, Tech Parks Arizona

I am a woman of integrity, who is kind, honorable, and someone my children can be proud of. My children are my whole world. Kindness is contagious; it can change lives! It helps to feed my soul while lifting the spirits of others. I have learned that everyone has problems, some big and some small, but we always have a choice. Never choose to be a victim of your circumstances. Instead, learn and grow by looking for the positive in all situations. I live the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

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Ravneet Mayall

Communications and External Relations, Citi

There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise. I am a first-generation East Indian immigrant who grew up in New York City during the ’70s. My father never thought his daughter should work. My family culture back then was to educate their girls and get them married. I did marry young and moved to Canada. I started my family and raised two boys along with running two successful businesses. It took a lot of hard work and determination as moving to a new country meant learning French in order to be successful working alongside the French Canadians in Quebec. Fast forward 18 years later - our family had made the decision to move to Tucson. Starting all over was tough. I started at the beginning as an agent, but senior leadership quickly saw my potential and willingness to work hard. They helped me grow in different management roles in operations. Today, I am proud of my 10-year tenure with Citi. I have successfully built and advanced teams and finetuned my excellent leadership skills along the way. My path hasn’t been easy, but I tell my kids “as long as you have goals, work hard and know your worth, you can accomplish anything!”

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April Aguilar

Administrative Assistant, Raytheon Contractor - Certified Yoga Level I, Level II, Premise Health

I am a woman of balance. I try to inspire both on and off the yoga mat and to encourage both a physical and mental strength of self-love, self-awareness, confidence and the ability to lead with an open heart. It’s important for women to not compare each other, but recognize and encourage others to seek self-love in their own beauty and celebrate diversity in their own shape, color, age and size.

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Kymberly Slater

Hardware Engineer, TS7700, Virtual Tape Hardware Development, IBM

I am a woman of confidence. The most inspiring women are those who know and love who they are despite what the world tells them they need to be. When inspiring others, it is important to display confidence, which will come naturally when you do your very best. Women, accept who you are. Don’t be so hard on yourself. And know that mistakes are learning opportunities.

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Stacy Kuzmich

Client Service Manager, Ascensus

I am a woman of change. The woman I was yesterday, taught me to be the woman I am today. You don’t have to know what is going to happen to make a change. You figure it out as you go. Sometimes you figure it out on your own, and sometimes it takes a trusted support system to guide you through. A wise man once told me, “Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

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Maggie Ramirez

Unit Manager, Collections, Citi

I am often described as successful, strong and caring. I am many things: a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother, a survivor, a woman. As a native of Tucson, I grew up as a minority in my neighborhood. Even at a young age, I realized I was different. I would get bullied, physically and emotionally, for being my authentic self which made it hard to live my truth. It gave me a harder battle to fight, it took a lot of hard work and determination to come out strong and alive, not only as a woman, but as a lesbian woman.  My mother was one of seven girls, so I come from a long line of strong, independent, talented and smart women. My mother taught me strength and courage. She always told me to fight for what I believe in and that I was capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I watched my mother fight her hardest battle in life, cancer. She never gave up, even when it felt like the doctors where giving up. Her fight made me a stronger person because it made me dig deep and realize my own strength. It is important to look around and see who is sitting at the table with you. You can never underestimate anyone because you don’t know their story and what battles they had to win to get to where they are. Be willing to listen and learn from others so that you can surround yourself with people that motivate and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. My wife and I have a 2 ½ year old son, which makes it even more important that I show him to love and respect himself and others. He is part of our future and as he has strong, positive female influences, such as myself, my wife and my mother in law, it is up to us to show him to do what is right and how to fight stereotypes and injustice. Never apologize for being a strong woman.

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Anita Bell

Director, University of Arizona Center for Innovation

I am a collaborator and connector. I like to say “it takes a village,” meaning that any situation requires different kinds of people to make it work. By bringing everyone to the table, we work together and move forward along a better path. Women inspire me by exhibiting strong leadership attributes and showing compassion while getting things done at the same time. I am a curious, strong woman who doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, but rather takes it as a challenge to find a solution. My younger self was often intimidated by life’s circumstances; now I deal with life’s hardballs by following my instincts to do the right things and by staying confident with who I am.

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Da'Jana Rader

Client Service Representative, Ascensus

I inspire women by proving every day that we can take care of our children, sickness and all, and still show up to work and excel on a daily basis. Women inspire me because even though we are considered the weaker sex, we cry, we struggle, we hurt, we comfort and we love without hesitation, no matter what the world throws at us. We still get up, fix our hair and sometimes our makeup, and keep going.

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Jessa Turner

Director of Communications, Tech Parks Arizona

I am blessed. I have God-sized dreams. Some have been achieved and some are still in the works. My mom taught me a lot and always believed in me. She inspired me to be the compassionate and hard-working woman that I am today. I like to think of myself as a “do-er” as actions speak louder than words. I am also an encourager. I see the best in people and often share encouraging words to support their journey. It feeds my soul, just as much as theirs.    We are all part of a larger story.  Through the years, I have learned to let God guide me. He will stretch me beyond what I feel capable of doing and equip me for success if only I take the first steps forward. Anything we want to achieve in life is going to take hard work.  Don’t be afraid of the work and don’t put limits on what can be achieved. “With God, all things are possible. And all things are possible to those who believe!”

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Danielle Savage

Manager, Ascensus

I am a woman of ambition. I love a challenge. If you tell me that I can’t do something, I will find a way to do it. I am inspired by women who empower other women. Former first lady Michelle Obama said, “I have been at every powerful table you can think of… they’re not that smart.” That’s empowering! We have to change our mindset. Self-doubt is not an option. We are worthy of success and several seats at those same tables. I want to inspire women to embrace their authenticity. Why? Remaining true to myself has always been tough for me in corporate America. Is my hair okay? Am I speaking properly? What do people think of me? My mantra is now: You don’t need anyone’s approval or permission. Be you.

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Brenda Hough

Community Outreach Coordinator, Tech Parks Arizona

I am a work in progress! I have experienced both hardships and blessings. I have had pain and love. I am empathetic to others because of this. I am strong, independent and adaptable because I have persevered despite my struggles. I am inspired by women who are confident and kind. I am thankful for my children, my husband, my parents, friendships and faith. I hope I can lift other women up by respecting them, having an attitude of forgiveness, and remembering that success is different for everyone. I would like to see the world as a big enough for all of us, with enough love to go around. We can support each other, see the goodness in each other and not be diminished or compare ourselves; but rather be encouraged to embrace our own individuality, and learn from others who exhibit maturity and grace.

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Denise Marrow

Administrator, Raytheon

I am a passionate woman. I don’t have all the answers, but I know my worth. I’m inspired by the woman who is in a position of authority, who chooses not to bark orders but wants instead to inspire those under her to not only succeed, but to be their very best so they can exceed her. I hope that I’m able to inspire women to find their voice and not be afraid to use it, and to lead even if they don’t have a title, so that they may continue to create the change that make our lives and the world better​.

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Wendy Frazzell

Associate Benefits Analyst, OptumRx

I am real. It’s the one thing I know how to be that comes naturally to me. I think it’s important to be your BEST self and not be swayed by trying to become someone else or the genuine you could be lost. My advice to the younger generation is - don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ve learned that time can heal or resolve most of our daily anxieties if you just let it, along with a bit of true faith. Live every moment, especially the simple ones. Laugh often. Love beyond your words. Enjoy your journey!

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Ava Hernandez

Michael Hernandez, Site Operations Manager, IBM

I am a father. This is my daughter. I encourage Ava to dream big, and know that she can grow up and choose to do whatever she wants to do. No matter what, I will always be proud of her, she will always have my endless love and support. Ava inspires me to be a better person through and through. As a parent I know that whatever I do makes a strong imprint on her and the person that she will grow up to be. I do my best to make all the correct choices, and hope that Ava will learn and follow down that path.

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Samantha Utter

DS 8000, DA Microcode Development 7xva, IBM

I am a woman engineer. I am inspired by women who support and lift each other up. I strive to be a strong role model to other women as well. In college, I made a decision to become an engineer. Today I am an experienced software engineer. I am proud to be a woman in a male-dominated industry and hope to empower others to the same. Don’t let people push you around. As a woman, we need to stick together. Never forget to follow what you love.​

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Jennifer Shioya

Senior Engineer, IBM

I am a woman of strength, independence and intelligence. I want girls and young women to know how important it is to use their voices – that their ideas, dreams, and passion make a difference in the world. I’m inspired by women who never sacrifice kindness and help others on their own paths to success.​

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Kathy Williams

Office Manager, Tech Parks Arizona

My grandmother taught me at a young age that with perseverance and tenacity you can achieve anything you set out to do. She inspired me to work hard and I have always had a minimum of two jobs. I have passed along this hard work ethic to my daughter. I raised my daughter to be respectful and she was inspired to raise her family in the same manner. You can’t love others until you love yourself.

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Tracy Bibeau

Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President, Tech Parks Arizona

I am a strong woman of the UA Tech Park. This month we reflect on the incredible women in our world and all they’ve done to further women’s rights and equality. But, how do we celebrate the women who aren’t in the spotlight? The women who are not on TV, who haven’t written a novel, and who don’t run companies. I want to celebrate the women who usually don’t get the acknowledgment they deserve. Like the woman sitting next to you, the one who signs your paycheck, and most importantly, the one reading these words right now - You! Nearly every day, we have been reading inspiring stories about women beating the odds and paving the way for future generations. Yet, I rarely take the time to appreciate my own accomplishments and reflect on how I have overcome my own obstacles. So to celebrate women’s month, I’d like to remind you why today—and every day forward—isn’t just for the big names out there. It’s for us. Celebrate your greatness. Remember you can do anything!

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